Example

Solving 0.25x+0.05(x+3)=2.850.25x + 0.05(x + 3) = 2.85 by Clearing Decimals

To solve the linear equation 0.25x+0.05(x+3)=2.850.25x + 0.05(x + 3) = 2.85, we can first simplify the expression and then clear the decimals.

Step 1 — Distribute: Multiply 0.050.05 by each term inside the parentheses: 0.25x+0.05x+0.15=2.850.25x + 0.05x + 0.15 = 2.85

Step 2 — Combine like terms: Add the variable terms on the left side: 0.30x+0.15=2.850.30x + 0.15 = 2.85

Step 3 — Multiply by the LCD: The decimals extend to the hundredths place, meaning they are equivalent to fractions with a denominator of 100100 (e.g., 0.30=301000.30 = \frac{30}{100}). To clear the decimals, multiply both sides of the equation by 100100: 100(0.30x+0.15)=100(2.85)100(0.30x + 0.15) = 100(2.85)

Step 4 — Distribute the LCD: 30x+15=28530x + 15 = 285

Step 5 — Isolate the variable: Subtract 1515 from both sides to gather constant terms on the right: 30x=27030x = 270

Step 6 — Solve for xx: Divide both sides by 3030: x=9x = 9

To verify, substitute x=9x = 9 back into the original equation. The result is 2.85=2.852.85 = 2.85, confirming that the solution is correct.

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Updated 2026-05-02

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